So? People have been splintering from the Catholic Church for 2000 years. There were various heresies, let's see, the Gnostics, Montanism, Arianism, Nestorianism. Then the Orthodox split. Or did Rome split from them? I'm not sure.
Then Luther and Henry VIII, of course. Some Baptists claim that they have been here all along. I sorta like that view, it's called "Landmarkism". Even though evidence seems to be thin on the ground. Islam is considered by many to be originally a Christian heresy, although I would think that it would be from Orthodoxy rather than Rome. Then there are the sects that sort of split from Protestantism that cannot be considered doctrinally sound. The Mormons, the Jehovah's witnesses, etc. The Protestants don't claim them and neither do the Catholics. Can some of them be saved? I don't know, I rather think it would be hard, but acceptance of Christ as Savior is the key. Every thing else is important, but not necessary. And not adequate
then there are numerous recent splits from the RCC. The Old Catholics, Mel Gibson's father's group, the feminist priests, the liberation theology theologians, etc. I'll admit the RCC has done a fantastic job with them lately, but will it always be so? the politics make it seem that eventually there will be a split between the modernists and the traditionalists, and the modernists may get the Vatican. Who knows?
Anyway, wagglebee, you are a good guy. I have followed you ping lists with much interest and agreement. But we are just going to have to disagree on this issue. Go with Christ, brother.
Yes, heretics have been leaving the Church for 2000 years. But the Church hasn't splintered.
Then the Orthodox split. Or did Rome split from them? I'm not sure.
Not over any disagreement regarding salvation.
Anyway, wagglebee, you are a good guy. I have followed you ping lists with much interest and agreement. But we are just going to have to disagree on this issue. Go with Christ, brother.
I can live with that. God Bless my FRiend.